Live an extreme life, get a free online education. That's the tactic Jones International University is using to get its Internet degree programs noticed.

The accredited online school, along with MonsterLearning, a unit of Monster.com, is running a contest for people who hold "extreme jobs" such as firefighting and car racing. Contestants submit 500-word essays on how they would fit learning into their careers and lifestyles. The best essayist will win an $18,000 scholarship for one of the university's degree programs, which include a B.S. and an MBA in IT. The entry deadline is Sept. 15. For more information, visit ooh.monster.com/extremelearning.